Job Description
Role Overview
- The Head of Investment and Trade Promotion (W2A Connect Lead) will play a pivotal role in positioning W2A as Africa’s foremost convenor of investment and trade stakeholders across key sectors.
- Beyond fostering dialogue, the role is focused on delivering tangible outcomes facilitating investments and trade deals that drive Africa’s growth.
This individual will:
- Lead the design, management, and execution of flagship events, convenings, and international trade missions.
- Drive sponsorships, partnerships, and revenue generation.
- Build and manage a high-performing team.
- Spearhead the rollout of W2A Connect, W2A’s convening and networking subsidiary.
- Strengthen W2A’s brand positioning globally (Europe, U.S., Asia).
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Convenings & Events
- Conceptualize, plan, and execute W2A’s signature events with a strong focus on facilitating trade and investment.
- Ensure events are research-backed, addressing real sector-specific gaps and opportunities.
- Develop annual event calendars, sponsorship strategies, and revenue projections.
- Lead international trade and investment missions (both inward and outward).
Sales & Revenue Generation
- Design and implement sales strategies for sponsorships, exhibitor packages, delegate tickets, and partnerships.
- Secure sponsorships and partnerships from corporates, DFIs, banks, and government agencies.
- Consistently meet and exceed revenue targets tied to events and W2A Connect.
Team Building & Leadership
- Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing team of event and business development professionals.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance oversight to ensure delivery excellence.
- Establish systems for event management, client relationship tracking, and deal closure.
Cross-Departmental & Subsidiary Collaboration
- Collaborate with W2A Research and Strategy Department to identify impactful themes and provide evidence-driven convenings.
- Work with W2A Capital, W2A Trade, and the Investment & Trade Facilitation teamto translate convenings into tangible deals.
- Partner with Growth and Communications to enhance visibility and secure sponsorships.
Global Brand Positioning & W2A Connect Rollout:
- Lead the launch and growth of W2A Connect as a stand-alone convening subsidiary.
- Position W2A’s convenings globally as entry points for investment and trade in Africa.
- Strengthen W2A’s global visibility through strategic partnerships, media, and thought leadership engagements.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Relations, Economics, or related field (Master’s degree is an added advantage).
- 5–10 years of experience in investment promotion, trade facilitation, event management, or business development, with at least 5 years in leadership.
- Proven track record of delivering large-scale international convenings and trade missions.
- Strong network across investors, corporates, DFIs, governments, and trade institutions.
- Demonstrated ability to drive sales, sponsorships, and revenue generation.
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement, and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Willingness to travel frequently within and outside Africa.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strategic thinking and execution.
- Strong business development and negotiation skills.
- Project and event management expertise.
- Team leadership and mentoring capabilities.
- High-level networking and stakeholder management.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Global mindset with strong cultural adaptability.
Compensation & Benefits
- A competitive and commensurate remuneration package based on experience and performance.
- Performance-based incentives tied to revenue generation and investment/trade outcomes.
- Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development within the W2A Group.
- Exposure to high-level international stakeholders and participation in global trade and investment missions.
- A dynamic, impact-driven work environment with room for innovation and creativity.